THE MAORI WAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 198, 31 December 1868, Page 2

THE MAORI WAR.

The Government organ at Wellington published the following on Christmas Day : — . The events of the past few months have thrown a gloom over the whole colony — they have brought us face to face with a terrible difficulty, which, when last we uttered words of congratulation on a similar occasion, was considered by those most competent to judge to be buried with matters long since interred in tbe tomb of time. But it was not to be so. Destined or not to meet success, we marvel much if the ahlest chieftain who ever led a British army into the field of battle could have avoided the unfortunate and melancholy incidents which have recently overwhelmed and oppressed the progress of he Northern Island. If there be any truth in the proverb about the " silver lining " to the most threatening cloud, surely we may with confidence look forward to obtain during the forthcoming year a realisation which we have frequently considered within our grasp, but which ia at the present moment apparently us far off as ever. The present however, is not the season for lamenting over the ills we suffer, or which are likely to befal vs — rather let us look forward to brighter days, and a more encouraging state of things. We have looked long enough on the dark side of the picture — let us now take a brighter view. There cannot be a doubt in the mind of any impartial person that the authorities are day by day gaining ground — they are strengthening themselves by receiving levies of some of the finest men the colonies can produce — and, apart from these considerations, recent events show that their engerness to trample out the unfortunate outbreaks which have occurred on both the East and the West Coasts are likely to be crowned with success. Plans could not be laid with greater care— measures could not be more energetically or efficiently carried out. Most anxious to do their utmost for the welfare of the colony, and properly appreciating the grave responsibility which the unforseen occurrence of events has cast upon their shoulders, Ministers have nobly stood the test through difficulties of a most trying character, and they have called to their assistance all those who are considered most capable of giving advice and taking action in t!ie present emergency. In the result of those honest exertions we have every confidence. Already success has attended our arms in more than one locality, and in all reasonable probability we shall not suffer disappointment when we say that there is every prospect of the war being brought to a more speedy end by the successes of our troops than may be generally anticipated. At all events, the prospects of the colony j two months ago were gloomy indeed, in consequence of the reverses which had occurred, bur, now a new confidence is inspired, and the nnißt profound^ unbeliever in the Stafford Ministry cannot say otherwise than that their exertions are gradually bringing about a more satisfactory state of affairs. j I It is easy to recommend people to ignore J the past— to pay no heed to the natural j promptings of generous feelings — but it ia a hard tuck. Let us, however,, one and all, endeavour to show that we have fortitude, confiilence, and courage, and that, however, we may be borne down at the time by trial, we will yet resuscitate ourselves, and be as we once were. We have ourselves to rely upon, and upon ourselves we must rely.

Poverty Bay District. The following, says the Government organ, is a report substantially correct of the various skirmishes with Te Kooti's party which took place the latter end of last month, and of which at the time so many contradictory telegrum9 appeared in the papers : — " The force under command of Henari, Tamoana, Henata, Hapuku, Tareha, and Captain Gascoigne, m irched in pursuit of the enemy on the 2lst November. On reaching Patutahi, the head of the column had a skirmish frith a few stragglers belonging to fvooti's men. They killed two. On the evening of the 24th November they overtook the enemy; and engaged at once, seized a small hill commanding their camp, driving bauk the enemy's left. During the night they entrenched themselves, and waited for a supply of ammunition. The enemy strengthened their position so much that our men thought it advisable to wait for reinforcements, especially as Kooti seemed inclined to fight. Our loss in this affair w>ia 5 killed and 1 wounded. 'I hat of the eiemy 12 killed, wounded not known, but Te Waru and Kooti were said to be hit. On Dec. 3 the Ngatiporous reached our force, and the whole line advanced and entered the enemy's position. Our loss this time was three men killed. Twentyseven of the enemy were killed, amongst whom was Numa. Nine were also killed during the few days following the first attack, making their total loss up to the 3rd, fifty

killed. Next day they went in pursuit of the enemy, but owing to a disagreement between Tareha and Kapata, the friendly Natives returned without encountering the enemy. He was said to be building a pah in a very strong position. Next day the Napier natives went back toTuranga, but the Ngatiporos were perauaded to proceed to attack the enemy's new position, in conjunction with Captain Gascoigne's men. This they did, but after fighting twenty-four hours, and killing ten of the enemy, amongst whom was Kareta, also taking possession of one end of their pah. Ropata retired; he had expected to take the place in a short time, and his men had left their blankets ami provisions. Gascoiane's men ran out of ammunition, and the weather had changed to wet. As soon as he had left, the enemy burned their pah and retreated. Their total loss was about sixty-five killed, besides wounded.